Tips for avoiding any dog injuries this holiday season

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All dog owners need to keep in mind the potential hazards that commonly take place during the holiday season, according to Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Kansas City. Every holiday season VSEC sees a rise in the number of emergency patients presented for having ingested such harmful items as decorations, toys and toxic foods commonly found around the home.

“It is only natural that our pets, as a member of the family, also join in on our holiday parties and gatherings,” says Dr. Jeff Dennis, DVM, ACVIM, an internist with Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Services of Kansas City. “People forget how inquisitive dogs and cats can be. Our four-legged best friends are intrigued by the shiny decorations and smelly treats traditionally found during this time of year.”

Dr. Dennis recommends the following precautions for pet owners this holiday season:

Chocolate in sufficient quantities can be quite toxic to dogs. See our dog chocolate poisoning

Christmas trees can also prove hazardous to dogs. Dogs can suffer severe burns from chewing on the electrical cords and can also get hurt from falling Christmas trees. This is very common among puppies, to want to pull on the tree, so make sure you keep a good eye on all dogs around the tree!

Beware of the damaging effects holiday plants can have on your pets if ingested. Poinsettias can cause mild irritation but mistletoe, daffodil, lilies and amaryllis bulbs are extremely toxic and can be a serious threat to your pet’s health if you do not seek immediate veterinary attention.

With November is pet cancer awareness month, there is no better month to educate yourself on cancer in dogs. Early detection is critical in the fight against cancer in dogs. It is a fact that half of pets over the age of ten die of cancer. Knowing the signs of cancer in dogs can help make a diagnosis early and treatment can be given.

Chocolate can be dangerous for the dogs

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If you have ever heard anyone say that chocolate can kill a dog, they are telling the truth! Chocolate contains ingredients that can be dangerous to dogs health, causing stomach upset, rapid heart rate, trembling, and even death.

Dogs many be attached to chocolate as it has a sweet taste and smells yummy, however it is dangerous especially if eaten at large quantities. Since chocolate contains methylxanthine alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, it stimulants of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs.

Parvo virus can be deadly to puppies

Parvo is one of the leading causes of death in puppies, which is due to the Parvovirus. Parvo is common in dogs that have had all vaccinations, and is a serious viral disease.

The signs of Parvo are generally very sudden. If you suspect your puppy may have parvo, you should seek veterinary help immediately and do not allow the possibly infected puppy around any other animals. If you wait to long your puppy could die, as Parvo works very fast!

Common signs of Parvo in adult dogs and puppies

• Bloody Diarrhea with a strong odor
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Fever

Parvo can be diagnosed with a fecal Parvo test that offer results within minutes. Puppies with Parvovirus need to be hospitalized generally for several days.

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How is Parvo Treated?

There is no miracle cure for Parvo and not a specific treatment, however a puppy can survive Parvo with the proper Vet care. Since most puppies with parvo have severe vomiting and diarrhea their fluids need to be replaced. This can be done with subcutaneous (SQ) or intravenous (IV) fluids.

Many Vets will also nausea medications or anti-vomiting medication to control vomiting. Antibiotics are also normally prescribed to protect against secondary infection that can be caused from slough the intestinal tract. If the puppy is very ill a blood transfusion may be needed to provide antibodies and replace proteins.

Are there any dog breeds that are more susceptible to Parvovirus?

According to the The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th ed., Labrador Retrievers, Pitbulls, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers are at an an increased risk of Parvo. However, any dog breed can contract Parvo!

How can I keep my dog from getting Parvo?

Dog vaccinations are around for a reason! Puppy shots should start at 6 weeks and be re-administered at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age.

Photo source:nevadaspca.blogspot.com

It is generally a good idea to keep your puppy from any public areas until he is given all of his shots and keep him away from other dogs until his vaccinations have been completed.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common but crippling disease that may happen to the man’s best friend. Hip dysplasiais a common disease that may affect dogs of any large breed.

Holistic quality dog food

PETCO stores announced the launch of a new holistic dog food by Halo Purely for Pets®, which company is co-owned by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. PETCO will be adding this holistic dog food and cat food line to their stores nationwide this week.

PETCO is supporting the new products’ launch by offering 20% off to its P.A.L.S. members on purchases of all Halo products made from March 2 to March 23.

Halo expanded its signature recipe canned dog food with the introduction of lamb, beef and salmon varieties. The company also introduced new Halo dry food selections for dogs: Spot’s Stew formulas for adult dogs and puppies.

The Halo dog food is made from all-natural ingredients such as butcher quality chicken, eggs, carrots, flaxseed, green peas, barley, sweet potatoes and cranberries. All the recipes have been fortified with vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics and do not include byproducts, chemical preservatives, fillers, rendered meats, artificial colors or flavors.

For everyone looking for an all natural dog food this holistic dog food seems like a great answer!

For additional information on the holistic dog foods visit the PETCO website or PR WEB.

Kennel cough disease

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Kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis is a disease that affects a dogs trachea lining. It is an upper respiratory issue in dogs caused by an airborne virus or bacteria. Kennel cough is highly contagious in dogs. Kennel cough is a common infectious diseases among dogs who have been in a kennel or around a large amount of dogs.

When a dog has contracted kennel cough they normally have a deep cough that sounds like something is stuck in the throat. Others describe it has a dry hacking cough. Some dogs begin to cough up mucus and others may vomit mucus. If you notice mucus that is green/brown, your dog should be seen by a vet.

Cough suppressants are generally recommended by Vets to help lessen cough symptoms and some vets may recommend an antibiotic to prevent any other infections from developing.

The virus that causes kennel cough can turn kennel cough into pneumonia, so be sure to keep a good eye on a dog that is suspected to have kennel cough. Several causes of kennel cough can cause death.

A Kennel Cough Vaccine can be given to a puppy or adult dog before boarding or before any large dog event to help prevent kennel cough. However, to prevent kennel cough it is a good idea to keep your puppy away from other dogs as much as possible. If your dog is an adult and in contact with stray dogs, being kenneled, or staying in the hospital over night, it is a good idea to administer a kennel cough vaccine.

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Dogswell Veggie Life Organic Natural Dog Treat

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A few weeks ago while looking for a good all natural dog treat I came across Dogswell Veggie Life. I ordered a few bags of Chicken and Apple to try. I was excited to find an all natural dog treat that looked like our dogs would actually eat!

After trying many different natural and organic dog treats that my dogs refused to eat, I was hopeful they may like the Veggie Life line of organic dog treats. They did!

Not only did my dogs eat these yummy smelling treats they begged for more.

The treats are actually 100% all-natural chicken breast wrapped around apple. The ingredient’s include Apple, Chicken Breast, Flaxseed, Vitamin E Supplement and Vitamin A Acetate. So, they are not only healthy they are fortified with Flaxseed and Vitamins A & E for healthy eyes, skin and coat.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

one treat	0.01kg
crude protein	25% (min)
crude fat	0.5% (min)
crude fat	2% (max)
crude fiber	1.5% (max)
moisture	40% (max)
vitamin E	10i.u. (min)
vitamin A	100i.u. (min)
omega-3 fatty acids	0.05% (min)

At just $4.99 for a 5oz pouch, they are no more expensive than any other dog treat. I highly recommend this all natural organic dog treat for anyone looking for a healthy dog treat! This type of dog treat is much better for a dog than the typical dog bone!

Click Here To Learn more about the Veggie Life Natural Dog Treats! 

Dog arthritis treatment

Dog Arthritis, just like in humans may be difficult to treat. The purpose of most treatments is only for the relief of pain or reducing the inflammation that is causing the pain.

Veterinarians can prescribe pain killers for dogs who suffer with arthritis, however many people do not want to see their beloved dog on pain pills for the rest of his life. Dog arthritis supplements have been proven to work very well with dogs in all stages of arthritis.

Diet also plays an important role in dog arthritis management. Supplements that will help regenerate cartilage especially on overweight dogs can be very helpful.

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Dog arthritis supplements

Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate will help avoid inflammation in the joints and likewise help regenerate cartilage. This is effective in improving the range of motion and lessens pain.

With supplements, exercise is now possible. This may help improve the condition significantly and faster. You may think that the supplement is not working because progress can be slow. However, this is more effective because there are minimal chances of side effects.

Please remember that exercise, healthy diet and nutritional supplements will help avoid pain caused by dog arthritis. It may likewise delay the onset of arthritis and thus will ensure that your dog will continue to enjoy the things you do together.

NuJoint Plus™ offers a great supplement to your aging dog and assists with discomfort for dogs suffering from any arthritis, bone or join pain. It is a natural supplement for treating dog arthritis without the use of traditional pain medications commonly given to dogs suffering with arthritis. NuJoint is a supplement given to dogs as an alternative to medicine for arthritis treatment in dogs.

NuJoint Plus™ was formulated by leading Veterinarians and Scientist to contain precise percentages of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Vitamin C which will help to quickly and effectively reverse and heal the devastating effects of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Photo source:dogvitaminsupplement.com

Oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in dogs today. If you have a dog in your home, you need to consider your dog’s dental health.